Everton and Arsenal played out an eventful 1-1 draw at Goodison Park on Saturday.
The Toffees and the Gunners ended up sharing the points after a penalty from Iliman Ndiaye cancelled out Leandro Trossard’s opener, with Jordan Pickford arguably pulling off the save of the season to deny the Belgian in the second half.
Jordan Pickford doing Jordan Pickford things. 🚫😮💨 pic.twitter.com/WW7rarJXRL
— Everton (@Everton) April 6, 2025
There was also a strange moment where Darren England blew the final whistle prematurely, before resuming the game after several Everton players pointed out there was still time remaining on the big screen.
However, before a ball was even kicked, Arsenal did something which Everton fans were very impressed by.
Everton fans praise Arsenal for recognising the end of Goodison Park
Saturday represented the last time Everton and Arsenal will face off at Goodison Park, after 120 years of battles in this particular stadium, before the Toffees move to Bramley-Moore Dock next season.
Strangely, no other side this term have done anything to recognise this fact when they’ve turned up at Goodison Park, something Everton fans made clear when hailing Arsenal.
One supporter raised the topic when pinpointing the “effort” Arsenal – who want Kenan Yildiz – had made, as Jorginho handed James Tarkowski a commemorative shirt to mark the occasion.
First visiting team to make any effort? https://t.co/vfz3NIYB41
— Operation Goodison (@Efcmordecai) April 5, 2025
A second Everton supporter simply described it as a “boss” gesture from the north Londoners.
Boss this https://t.co/rZH4kVlVIl
— Mark (@younglion1989) April 6, 2025
Furthermore, another Everton fan called Arsenal a “proper club” – and reiterated the fact “no one else has done anything” like this to bid farewell to Goodison Park.
Proper club Arsenal!! No one else has done anything to say goodbye to Goodison https://t.co/ZQlKZKiHCw
— Josh Taylor (@joshbainesy) April 6, 2025
Elsewhere, Arsenal were called a “top club” by a fourth Everton supporter, who added that they “always will be” – a nice message.
Top club the gooners. Always will be. https://t.co/X4lIlJigZd
— CLS (@Conor_LaneSmith) April 6, 2025
Additionally, one Everton fan called it a “great gesture” – while also hilariously pointing out just how excited England and his officiating team looked to be present in the photo.
Great gesture from Arsenal! Have to say the officials look absolutely buzzing to be there https://t.co/9wCjyBd1gP
— Dan Putt (@Danputt96) April 5, 2025
Last but not least, a sixth Everton fan opined that Mikel Arteta – who made 209 appearances for the Toffees – “had a say in the gesture” while also mentioning no other side had done something like this.
Only visiting side to make any effort, and I’m sure Mikel Arteta had a say in it. Class from Arsenal. 🫱🏻🫲🏼 https://t.co/IrYU5CXXrW
— Pablo C (@clarke__78) April 6, 2025
Mutual respect between Arsenal and Everton extends beyond a simple gift
They may not win the most silverware, but Arsenal and Everton – who want Christian Norgaard – are two of England’s most historic clubs.
Neither side have been relegated since the 1954/55 campaign, hence why there have been so many clashes between the pair at Goodison Park over the years.
Arsenal have not been relegated since the 1912/13 season, while Everton last suffered the drop in 1950/51 before quickly bouncing back in 1955.
